LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Queensland's woeful response to their State of Origin defeat is a classic case of being in denial.
Some of the talk coming out of the Maroons camp about Reece Walsh and Haumole Olakau'atu is pure fantasy.
NSW's triumph in the State of Origin series has left Queensland feeling like they've been knocked for six - and they're struggling to come to terms with it.
The excuses being made about protecting Walsh and the hits he supposedly took without the ball are simply out of touch with reality.
Coach Billy Slater and Broncos mentor Kevin Walters have been lamenting the rough treatment Walsh received during the match, but the evidence tells a different story.
One particular incident in the 55th minute, where Walsh appeared to be injured after a pass, has stirred up controversy.
Queenslanders are crying foul over Angus Crichton's supposed illegal hit on him, but replays suggest it was just an unfortunate accident.
It seems like the Maroons are grasping at straws in an attempt to save face after their defeat.